The Great Nicobar Island Development Project is a ₹72,000 crore integrated infrastructure plan being implemented by Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
It includes an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), Greenfield International Airport, power plants, free trade zones, and township development across 16,610 hectares.
Strategic and National Significance:
- Geo-Strategic Location: Great Nicobar lies near the Malacca Strait, through which 40% of global trade passes. Control over this chokepoint enhances India’s maritime influence under SAGAR vision.
- Maritime Security: Strengthens Indian Navy and Coast Guard presence in the IOR, countering China’s “String of Pearls” strategy.
- Economic Boost: The ICTT can reduce India’s dependency on foreign ports like Colombo and Singapore for transshipment, improving logistics efficiency. For example, India’s transshipment cargo currently handled 75% via foreign ports.
- Employment & Development: Infrastructure, tourism, and free trade zone promise job creation for local populations.
- Social Upliftment: Plans include affordable housing, digital connectivity, healthcare, and educational infrastructure.
Concerns & Challenges:
Ecological Fragility:
- Nearly 1 million trees may be felled, impacting biodiversity hotspots including the Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve).
- Threat to leatherback turtles, Nicobar megapode, and coral reefs.
Tribal Rights:
- Shompen and Nicobarese tribes face potential cultural and livelihood disruption.
- May conflict with Forest Rights Act, 2006, which empowers tribals as custodians of their land.
Seismic & Disaster Vulnerability:
- Located in a high-risk seismic zone, affected severely in 2004 tsunami (15 ft subsidence).
Economic Viability:
- Competes with established hubs (Singapore, Colombo, Hambantota) and India’s new Vizhinjam port (Kerala).
- Lacks a strong hinterland for sustained cargo volumes.
Global Scrutiny:
- Could undermine India’s environmental commitments under Paris Climate Agreement and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Government’s Mitigation Efforts:
- Phased Clearances: Divided into 3 phases with EIA scrutiny at each level.
- Compensatory Afforestation: 73.07 sq. km notified as new reserve forest.
- Wildlife Conservation Fund: ₹815.5 crore allocated to ZSI, BSI, SACON, WII.
- Tribal Safeguards: Based on Shompen Policy 2015 and Jarawa Policy 2004.
Way Forward:
- Reassess Economic Viability: Evaluate duplication with Vizhinjam port; explore phased scaling.
- Tribal-Centric Development: Prioritise PVTG rights and ensure FPIC (Free, Prior, Informed Consent).
- Green Infrastructure: Enforce GRIHA/LEED building codes, renewable energy, and eco-tourism.
- Transparent Data Sharing: Release detailed social and environmental impact assessments.
- International Collaboration: Leverage models from Japan & South Korea for sustainable island development.
- Explore Other Islands: Diversify development to reduce ecological load on Great Nicobar.
Conclusion:
While the project is strategically indispensable for India’s maritime security and economic aspirations, its sustainability depends on eco-sensitive design, tribal empowerment, and transparent governance. India must strive for “Happy and Prosperous Islanders on Ecologically-Protected Islands” to balance national security with environmental stewardship.
‘+ 1’ Value Addition:
- Location: 1,300 km from mainland India and 90 miles from Indonesia.
- Island Size: 910 sq. km, 3,500 mm rainfall annually.
- Global Precedent: Singapore & Hong Kong developed into global hubs with hinterland linkages—India must avoid over-ambitious replication without feasibility.
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